Inverse Water Resistant Garment

ABSTRACT

This is a new take on water resistant materials and garment assembly. This invention will prevent liquid from permeating from the inside to the outside of a garment. The main use for this invention is for a garment to be worn over existing wet garments and skin. The beauty of this invention is that since the internal barrier prevents liquid transfer through it, the outer layer of the garment can be composed of water absorbent material, if so desired, and remain dry.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent is a continuation of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/451,768 filed Jan. 29, 2017.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a fabric assembly of a garmentpreventing liquids from penetrating towards the outside of the garmentvia the inside. Therefore, this invention inhibits the new garmentassembly from absorbing unwanted liquids.

Regarding water sports and related activities, often a participant willexit the water with one or more wet articles of clothing, such asboardshorts, bathing suits, wetsuits, or other wet garments, and withouttaking off such garment(s) will put on a dry garment over the top. Thisnew article of clothing often is neither waterproof nor water resistant,such as with cotton, polyester, and other hydrophilic fabrics. The newdry garment will then absorb water when it contacts the original wetgarment. Once wet, liquid can propagate throughout the garment, causingdiscomfort. Some materials do a better job than others to mitigate thisabsorption but currently there is nothing designed specifically for thisissue.

Weatherproof garments typically are comprised of hydrophobic materialssuch as; Gortex™, nylon, and polyurethane which prevent external liquidsfrom reaching internal to the respective garment, however the preventionof internally residing liquids reaching an outer layer has yet to beaddressed in apparel.

Similarly, when entering a vehicle with a wet bottom garment such asshorts, skirts, or pants, the top garment as well as the seat willbecome wet from sitting. A towel or waterproof cover is typically usedto help prevent liquid absorption, but currently a wearable garment isnot an option. With this invention, a garment could be designed for thisuse.

A current product that does in fact prevent moisture from exiting theinternal layer of a garment is a sauna suit, however these are strictlymeant to keep moisture and heat internal to the suit. That is not aconsideration here. The goal with this invention is to not simply trapliquids from exiting the internal medium, but to keep the outer layer ofthe dry garment dry.

Another product that may be mistaken for utilizing similar technology isa diaper. However, the goal of a diaper is to absorb the liquid and thenkeep it from reaching the outside. In a diaper, the inside is ahydrophilic fabric and the outside is waterproof, therefore keeping theliquids inside. While the end goal is similar, our inventionspecifically prevents any part of the garment from absorbing liquids.Diapers, on the other hand, specifically absorb those same liquids.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The current invention will be able to address and improve theshortcomings listed above. By preventing liquid from reaching the outerlayer of the garment, water cannot penetrate the inner layer andpermeate throughout the garment. There are a plurality of options forthis inner layer, some of which include hydrophobic waterproof and waterresistant fabrics, additives, or coatings. Other possible inner layersmight include physical interferences, fast drying fabrics, or guttersystems.

One possible result of this invention is that the inner layer remainsdry by utilizing hydrophobic characteristics to avoid liquid absorption.Once the wet medium is removed the new garment will remain drythroughout, both on the inner and outer layers. Fast drying or wickingcharacteristics of the inner layer may also accomplish this same result.

One embodiment of this invention could be in a classic hooded sweatshirtor other top garment to prevent water in wet boardshorts from beingabsorbed by the hydrophilic material of a sweatshirt. This would allowthe wearer to add a warm comfortable garment once out of the waterwithout concern for the fabric of the outer layer becoming wet.

Another embodiment could be utilized for a female top garment. The innerlayer would be able to prevent water transfer from a wet one ortwo-piece bathing suit to the new dry garment. This could beaccomplished with either one large inner layer zone covering the chestdown or two separate zones.

Another embodiment could also be utilized for a full wetsuit. The innerlayer would fully encompass the inside of the garment, thereforeinhibiting liquid from all locations along the inside to absorb into theouter layer.

Bottom garments such as shorts or pants could use this invention tocover up a wet bottom garment, such as boardshorts. This invention isuseful when a change in top garment is not an option or a dry outerlayer of a bottom garment is necessary.

A bottom garment such as pants could use this invention to cover up wetsocks. In this embodiment, the inner layer would be located on the lowerportion of the pants.

The assembly may contain a wicking material that substitutes for ahydrophobic inner layer. This wicking material may not completelyprevent, but should help mitigate the spread of the liquid from theinitial wet medium and onto the new dry garment. One embodiment thatwould benefit from this invention would be a thin upper garment like at-shirt.

The inner layer can be adhered as desired by at least one of but notlimited to adhesive, sewing, stamping, and ultrasonic weld. It may alsobe removable, employing the use of buttons, zippers, magnets, snaps,reusable adhesives, Velcro® or similar type fastener or material.

Upon further understanding of the current invention it shall be clearthat a plurality of unique and independent embodiments are possible. Thespecific examples shown in the ensuing drawings are to further clarifythe utility and in no way are meant to limit the scope of thisinvention. The invention can prove useful in many industries for manyreasons and therefore the following should be understood as illustrativeand not restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1a is a front view of a garment assembly with a section cut away.

-   -   100 hooded sweatshirt, garment    -   102 a outer layer    -   102 b inside of outer layer    -   106 inner layer, hydrophobic material

FIG. 1b is a front view of the garment assembly flipped inside out.

FIG. 2 is a front view of another garment assembly.

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic, highly enlarged perspective view of thesystem.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Focusing now on the drawings, these figures will help illustrate theutility of this invention. A preferred embodiment of the invention isshown in FIG. 1a and FIG. 1b as a hooded sweatshirt 100. Looking at FIG.1a we can see a front view of the garment system with a section cutaway. The outer layer 102 a and 102 b can be any one material orplurality of materials desired, which in the case of a hoodie wouldlikely be cotton or polyester. The cut away reveals the inside of thehooded sweatshirt 100. The inside of the outer layer 102 b can be seenin FIG. 1a , however this is strictly illustrative and should beunderstood henceforth as the outer layer 102. Therefore, the inside ofthis embodiment is comprised of the outer layer 102 and the inner layer106. This inner layer 106 runs from the bottom hem of the garment and upapproximately one third of the way to the shoulders.

FIG. 1b shows the same hooded sweatshirt 100 but it is flipped insideout. This view shows inner layer 106 as it spans the entirecircumference of the garment and vertically up from the hemapproximately one third of the way to the top of the shoulders. Theinside of the outer layer 102 is revealed on the rest of the garment.Other embodiments of this invention are possible as the specificlocation of the inner layer 106 is unique to each embodiment. Thishooded sweatshirt 100 is meant to show one possible example whileclarifying the construction and utility of the invention.

Looking at FIG. 2 we can see the front view of another preferredembodiment, a second hooded sweatshirt 200. The hem of the hoodie inthis illustration is the inner layer 106 which has wrapped around to theoutside of the hoodie from the inside. The inside of the hoodie remainsthe same as the hooded sweatshirt 100 in FIG. 1a and FIG. 1b with adifferent method of terminating the inner layer 106. The inner layer 106wraps around the hem of the sweatshirt and is revealed on the exteriorof the second hooded sweatshirt 200. This wrap around functions as anextra barrier to prevent the wet medium 300 from contacting the outerlayer.

This inner layer 106 can span either the entirety of the inside of thegarment, one section, or a plurality of portions. It is not limited tothe bottom portion of the garment as the inner layer 106 location willbe specific to the utility and design of the garment embodiment.

Another preferred embodiment is that of a sweatshirt or other female topgarment compatible with a female one piece bathing suit, it will besimilar to the hooded sweatshirt 100 in FIG. 1a and FIG. 1b however theinner layer 106 would span from the hem all the way up to the shoulders.The inner layer 106 of this garment would fully encompass the torsoarea.

Similarly, another embodiment would be a sweatshirt or other female topgarment compatible with female two piece bathing suit, which would havethe inner layer 106 span from the hem of the garment up to theshoulders. The unique characteristic of this embodiment is that in themiddle of the torso the inner layer 106 would have a gap. Instead, theouter layer 102 would be revealed on the inside of the hooded sweatshirt100.

In other embodiments of this invention, the outer layer 102 can consistof multiple unique layers. For one preferred embodiment with multiplelayers, the outer layer 102 would consist of a polyester liner with awater resistant material on the outside. This layering could be utilizedas a windproof and water resistant jacket, that also requires theinternal water resistant properties to protect from an internal wetmedium 300. The inner layer 106 in this embodiment covers a portion thepolyester layer on the inside of the outer layer 102.

In other embodiments, the hooded sweatshirt 100 may be substituted forvarious other garments including but not limited to button up flannel,zippered hooded sweatshirt, crew neck sweatshirt, sweater, t-shirt,jacket, fleece, and other top garments. The inner layer 106 and outerlayer 102 assembly and function would remain the same as listedpreviously in all embodiments.

Yet another embodiment, the invention could be for a lower body garment,such as pants. The inner layer 106 would span the upper portion of theinside of the garment, anywhere from the top and down to the bottom hemof the pants. The inner layer 106 would cover the outer layer 102 justlike in the top garment embodiments listed previously. Shorts, skirts,capris and other lower body garments could also utilize this invention.

Another embodiment would be for pants. However, in this embodiment theinner layer 106 would be contained to the lower portion of the pant.This can be anywhere from the lower hem and up to the crotch area. As anexample, this embodiment could be used to prevent a wet medium 300 of apair of socks from penetrating to outer layer 102. This outer layer 102fabric can be many materials including but not limited to denim, cotton,and polyester.

Another embodiment of the invention is for garment consisting of thinmaterial for the outer layer 102. This thin material would be that of at-shirt or similar. In this embodiment to maintain a similar feel to thegarment, the inner layer 106 could be a technical wicking fabric. Thetechnical wicking fabric would help prevent the wet medium 300 frompenetrating to the outer layer 102. A hydrophobic material could also beused for the inner layer if greater water resistance is desired.

Looking further into the details of the layering we can take ourattention to FIG. 3, which is is a diagrammatic, highly enlargedperspective view of the system. This drawing FIG. 3 shows a simplifiedversion of the interaction which serves as a method to further clarifythe specific characteristics of the assembly and invention in general.The wet medium 300 contacts the inner layer 106 and attempts to transferliquid 308 to the inner layer 106, which as stated in the summary can beone of many possible embodiments of the feature. The liquid 308 consistsof at least one part water, precipitation, and various other fluids thatmay be present in the wet medium 300. This inner layer 106 provides abarrier against the liquid 308 by at least one of its intrinsic featuresincluding hydrophobicity, physical interference, and various otherchemical, physical, or technological properties. The outer layer 102 isprotected from the liquid 308 via this inner layer 106. The assembly 312shows the outer and inner layer in relation to each other. The outsideenvironment 310 is shown to clarify the location of the outer layer 102with respect to the wet medium 300 and the inner layer 106.

1. A top garment comprising of: An assembly whereas an inner layer orsections of an inner layer prevent water from reaching the outer layer2. The garment according to claim 1 whereas some or all parts of theinner layer is comprised of a waterproof fabric, including but notlimited at least one part rubber, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane,silicone elastomers, fluoropolymers, polytetrafluoroethylene, nylon, andwax.
 3. The garment according to claim 1 whereas some or all parts ofthe inner layer is comprised of water resistant fabric, including butnot limited to at least one part fleece, canvas, polypropylene, nylon,polyester, or other water resistant materials.
 4. The garment accordingto claim 1 whereas some or all parts of the inner layer is comprised ofa physical barrier, consisting of a plurality of physical projections,mesh, brush, hook-and-loop, or expandable material.
 5. The garmentaccording to claim 1 whereas the inner layer is permanently or semipermanently attached to the outer layer via adhesive, sewing, stamping,ultrasonic weld, or other bonding mechanisms.
 6. The garment accordingto claim 1 whereas the inner layer is removable, via adhesive, magnet,Velcro, hook-and-loop, snaps, zipper or other bonding mechanisms.
 7. Thegarment according to claim 1 whereas the outer layer is comprised of oneor a plurality of individual fabrics and fabric assemblies
 8. A bottomgarment comprising of: An assembly whereas an inner layer or sections ofan inner layer prevent water from reaching the outer layer
 9. Thegarment according to claim 8 whereas some or all parts of the innerlayer is comprised of a waterproof fabric, including but not limited atleast one part rubber, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, siliconeelastomers, fluoropolymers, polytetrafluoroethylene, nylon, and wax. 10.The garment according to claim 8 whereas some or all parts of the innerlayer is comprised of water resistant fabric, including but not limitedto at least one part fleece, canvas, polypropylene, nylon, polyester, orother water resistant materials.
 11. The garment according to claim 8whereas some or all parts of the inner layer is comprised of a physicalbarrier, consisting of a plurality of physical projections, mesh, brush,hook-and-loop, or expandable material.
 12. The garment according toclaim 8 whereas the inner layer is permanently or semi permanentlyattached to the outer layer via adhesive, sewing, stamping, ultrasonicweld, or other bonding mechanisms.
 13. The garment according to claim 8whereas the inner layer is removable, via adhesive, magnet, Velcro,hook-and-loop, snaps, zipper or other bonding mechanisms.
 14. Thegarment according to claim 8 whereas the outer layer is comprised of oneor a plurality of individual fabrics and fabric assemblies
 15. A fabricassembly comprising of: An assembly whereas an inner layer or sectionsof an inner layer prevent water from reaching the outer layer
 16. Thegarment according to claim 15 whereas some or all parts of the innerlayer is comprised of a waterproof fabric, including but not limited atleast one part rubber, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, siliconeelastomers, fluoropolymers, polytetrafluoroethylene, nylon, and wax. 17.The garment according to claim 15 whereas some or all parts of the innerlayer is comprised of water resistant fabric, including but not limitedto at least one part fleece, canvas, polypropylene, nylon, polyester, orother water resistant materials.
 18. The garment according to claim 15whereas some or all parts of the inner layer is comprised of a physicalbarrier, consisting of a plurality of physical projections, mesh, brush,hook-and-loop, or expandable material.
 19. The garment according toclaim 15 whereas the inner layer is permanently or semi permanentlyattached to the outer layer via adhesive, sewing, stamping, ultrasonicweld, or other bonding mechanisms.
 20. The garment according to claim 15whereas the inner layer is removable, via adhesive, magnet, Velcro,hook-and-loop, snaps, zipper or other bonding mechanisms.
 21. Thegarment according to claim 15 whereas the outer layer is comprised ofone or a plurality of individual fabrics and fabric assemblies